He was working for popularity, and he was obtaining it in a certain way.
Now, Frank Merriwell was no less generous than Jack Diamond, but he would not drink liquor of any kind--he would not touch beer.

It did not take him long to discover that this peculiarity caused many of the students to regard him with scorn.

He was called the Good Templar and was often derisively addressed as Worthy Chief.
The very ones who were first to apply the name in derision afterward came to call him Worthy Chief in sincere admiration.
Frank went around to Billy's occasionally, and although he would not drink, he treated frequently, paying for anything his companions wanted to take, from beer to champagne.
One evening Frank, Harry and Dismal Jones went into Billy's and found Diamond and a large crowd there.

Jack had been drinking something stronger than lemonade, and he was holding forth to a crowd of eager listeners.
One look at Diamond's flushed face did Merriwell take, and then he knew the fellow was open for anything.

The high color in the cheeks of the Virginian was a danger signal.
Merriwell and his two friends ordered drinks, Frank taking ginger ale.
Harry and Jones lighted cigarettes.
Frank examined the pictures around the walls.